Plant Details
Chamaecrista nictitans [= Chamaecrista aspera]
Sensitive Partridge-pea, Common Sensitive-plant
Scientific Name: |
Chamaecrista nictitans [= Chamaecrista aspera] |
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Genus: |
Chamaecrista |
Species Epithet: |
nictitans |
Common Name: |
Sensitive Partridge-pea, Common Sensitive-plant |
Plant Type |
Herb/Wildflower |
Life Cycle |
Annual (Herbs Only), Perennial |
Plant Family |
Fabaceae (Legume Family) |
Native/Alien: |
NC Native |
Size: |
0-1 ft., 1-3 ft. |
Bloom Color(s): |
Yellow |
Light: |
Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day |
Soil Moisture: |
Dry |
Bloom Time: |
June, July, August, September, October |
Growing Area: |
Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain |
Habitat Description: |
Savannas, pinelands, disturbed sandy soils. Common throughout NC. |
Leaf Arrangement: |
Alternate |
Leaf Retention: |
Deciduous |
Leaf Type: |
Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like |
Leaf Form: |
Compound |
Life Cycle: |
Annual (Herbs Only), Perennial |
Wildlife Value: |
Has some wildlife value |
Landscape Value: |
Not Recommended for home landscapes |
Notes: |
Attractive to bees and butterflies |
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In bloom Sensitive Plants (or Partridge Peas) are nitrogen-fixing annuals, useful for rebuilding soil. Common throughout the state, they are an important part of the winter diet of Northern Bobwhite.
Paynter, Wilmington, September 2012 |
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Flower They are also larval plants for Little Sulphur and Cloudless Sulphur butterflies.
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Leaves The common name of Sensitive Plant comes from its ability to fold up its leaves when disturbed.
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Links: |
USDA PLANTS Database Record |
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